Travel with Me | NYC 2018

November 7, 2018

The city that never sleeps? I’ll sleep when I’m dead.

I’ve always loved the idea of New York. The hustle and motivation that flows throughout the city has enticed me for so long, it was about time I paid a visit. I booked this trip on a whim not just on an adventurous impulse, but because I knew it was exactly what I needed. Among so many things, I hoped this city would provide me with a glimmer of clarity and validation. As soon as I stepped onto those Big Apple streets under those big city lights, I immediately knew I was going to find exactly what I was searching for.

The idea of New York has always been incredibly inspiring to me. Experiencing it firsthand, it only made me crave for more. The hustle is real and you can emotionally and physically feel the energy ignited from every passerby. Everyone is there for a reason. Everyone is there to not only follow their dreams, but turn their dreams into reality. It’s incredible.

A few short days in the city wasn’t enough for me, but it was enough to know that this must be the place; this was the place I belonged. A city like this can easily feel intimidating, overwhelming and even suffocating, but not to me.

THE TRIP

The majority of my stay was spent in Manhattan – specifically Midtown, Soho and Greenwich Village, but I did make my way to explore Brooklyn as well. On Saturday, October 27, I stopped by Revolve’s pop-up shop in Soho where I got to meet no other than the babe herself, Danielle Bernstein. Revolve knows how to party, so the pop-up was nothing short of a good time – endless racks of gorgeous clothes, a flower wall, oat milk lattes, fun music, oh, and I also got to meet one of the cutest insta-famous pups around, Nobu. Needless to say, I was thriving.

Being in Soho was a treat itself with stunning architecture of cast-iron buildings, cobblestone streets, art everywhere you look, trendy shops and high-end stores. As the fashionista myself, it was a dream.

That night I celebrated Halloween with some of my friends in Midtown and dressed as Alice in Wonderland. No doubt the white rabbit followed me the entire time while I sipped from my teacup. If you’re thinking what I’m thinking, yes this costume was more than fitting regarding the circumstances. Alice wasn’t the only one to find her Wonderland.

If you’re looking for the most chic brunch spot with the prettiest cocktails, I highly recommend going to While We Were Young. It’s a quaint restaurant in the West Village with an interior that’s equally as beautiful and photogenic as their drinks. I heard so many good things about this place I had to check it out. If you’re curious what cocktail I chose, I knew I had to get the “While We Were Young” (fitting right?) and it was the most decadent cocktail I’ve ever sipped – a perfect mix of vodka, vanilla bean, butterfly peaflower, and wine.

As one does when visiting a city they love, they check out all the hotspots – including the “said” touristy locations. I squealed when I walked through Times Square at night because, I don’t care how cliche it is, I thought it was so amazing. The Brooklyn Bridge was also too cool and I was so, so happy to visit the area. When I move to NYC, I know I want to live here so stopping by made me very giddy. As for a view of the skyline, I was lucky enough to be staying with a friend who’s apartment roof had literally the most epic view one could get – basically the same view from Top of the Rock, but even higher up. I could spend an entirety up there.

SPOTS I WENT/HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Dinner

Briciola

Kame Ramen

Thai Select

The Rocking Horse

Brunch

The Butcher’s Daughter

While We Were Young

Two Hands

Sweet Treats

Milk & Cream Cereal Bar

DŌ, Cookie Dough Confections

Cha Cha Matcha

Vintage Shopping

Buffalo Exchange

Reformation Vintage

Ritual Vintage

L Train Vintage

The Vintage Twin

New York – there’s a reason why they say it’s so nice, they named it twice. The city is special and it’s unlike any other. I felt this sense of magic, wonder, comfort, and content – it already felt like home. It was hard to leave, but I only said goodbye for now. The beauty is that it’s not for everyone, but I know it is for me.